Kolkata, November 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Air pollution levels have risen sharply in several parts of Kolkata and Howrah ahead of Kali Puja, with PM2.5 concentrations crossing 300 in multiple locations, raising concerns about worsening air quality during the festival on Sunday.
According to pollution monitoring data cited by officials, Ghusuri in Howrah recorded a PM2.5 level of 350, the highest among the locations mentioned. Salt Lake registered 336, followed by Jadavpur at 326, Ballygunge at 321 and Belur at 313.
Pollution levels have been increasing since Friday night, with areas including Howrah, Jadavpur and Salt Lake reporting elevated readings. More locations were added to the list by Saturday night as smoke from firecrackers contributed to the deteriorating air quality.
The state government has imposed restrictions on firecracker use to curb air and noise pollution during Kali Puja. The permitted window for bursting crackers has been fixed between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., with regulations also governing their sale.
Environmental concerns have intensified over the possibility that weather conditions, particularly higher moisture levels in the air, could further aggravate pollution by limiting the dispersal of pollutants.
Environmental expert and green technologist Somendra Mohan Ghosh attributed the deterioration in air quality over the 72-hour period following November 5 to widespread violations of firecracker restrictions and unfavourable early-winter weather conditions.
Ghosh said firecrackers being burst outside permitted hours were adding to emissions and preventing pollutants from dispersing. He also warned that the use of banned traditional firecrackers could release high concentrations of fine particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and heavy metal residues into the atmosphere.
With pollution already elevated before the main festival celebrations, concerns remain over the impact of additional firecracker emissions on Kolkata and neighbouring areas.
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